Community Forums

FirstTracks · 11-01-2017, 08:44 AM

If you're new to boondocking, or even if you're a veteran, finding that perfect spot can be a challenge -- especially if you're in unfamiliar territory. My new video released today on the Grand Adventure YouTube channel provides some tips and techniques on finding that perfect spot:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTRw3A-IIZY

Enjoy! Feedback is both welcome and appreciated.

CountryB · 11-01-2017, 09:01 AM

Nice video! Thanks for the tips.

Are most of these boondocking locations, like those you show in the video , accessible to a 40ft Motor coach (one of your sites looked very sandy)?

My DP has a GVWR of 40,000 lbs. Can I boondock without getting stuck?
Or do I need to stick to the paved roads?

FirstTracks · 11-01-2017, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CountryB

Nice video! Thanks for the tips.

Appreciate it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by CountryB

Are most of these boondocking locations, like those you show in the video , accessible to a 40ft Motor coach (one of your sites looked very sandy)?

My DP has a GVWR of 40,000 lbs. Can I boondock without getting stuck?
Or do I need to stick to the paved roads?

Most, but of course not all. That's where your research is most important in drawing the distinction between a graded road and a backcountry trail. As the video points out, often times you can make that distinction by a careful examination of the road in Google satellite view. However, it never hurts to give the local Forest Service ranger station or BLM Field Office a call and ask about the road itself.

In most of the places we've camped with our TT, getting a large Class A into the same spot would've been no trouble at all. In fact, we often encounter large motor homes in the same areas that we're boondocking in.

Unplanned Tourist · 11-01-2017, 09:28 AM

Great video and some information to keep in mind. We have gone from an 8 foot camper that we could get into many very private spots on what is called crown land here in Canada to a 38+ foot MH.

Both happy and sad. Nowadays we have much more comfort, but can't go on the rough roads!

Happy Glamping.

FirstTracks · 11-01-2017, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unplanned

Great video and some information to keep in mind. We have gone from an 8 foot camper that we could get into many very private spots on what is called crown land here in Canada to a 38+ foot MH.

Both happy and sad. Nowadays we have much more comfort, but can't go on the rough roads!

Happy Glamping.

Size does matter! LOL

Stevec4 · 11-01-2017, 11:29 AM

Thanks for the video, it has sparked interest for next seasons trips.

FirstTracks · 11-01-2017, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevec4

Thanks for the video, it has sparked interest for next seasons trips.

Glad to hear it! I'm not quite ready to throw in the towel just yet, I've been holding off on winterizing as long as I can. We got out the last two weekends in a row, which led to more upcoming travel videos. I'm only hoping it's not over yet!

bfisher003 · 11-01-2017, 02:37 PM

Good stuff!

FirstTracks · 11-01-2017, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfisher003

Good stuff!

Thank you Bill, and thanks for subscribing!

dix39 · 11-01-2017, 03:29 PM

Thank you very much for posting this!!

"Grateful" Steve

FirstTracks · 11-01-2017, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dix39

Thank you very much for posting this!!

"Grateful" Steve

Appreciate it Steve!

twogypsies · 11-01-2017, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CountryB

Nice video! Thanks for the tips.

Are most of these boondocking locations, like those you show in the video , accessible to a 40ft Motor coach (one of your sites looked very sandy)?

My DP has a GVWR of 40,000 lbs. Can I boondock without getting stuck?
Or do I need to stick to the paved roads?

Boondocking on public lands in the West was always our first choice with our 40' motorhome and we did it successfully. Many roads are hard-packed graded gravel. We've done some dirt roads but always be mindful of the weather forecast and drive/park on high ground. If we're not sure we park along the highway or in a nearby lot and disconnect the Jeep to pre-scout out the road and accessibility for the motorhome. We've only had to do that a few times though and even so, we found the road just fine.

FirstTracks · 11-01-2017, 09:53 PM

The "fear factor" is part of what I tried to overcome with this video. If you know in advance what you're getting into, why fear it? The number of folks who truly fear camping outside of a campground with full hookups still boggles my mind. IMO, an RV park isn't camping, it's a parking lot. That's just my opinion, of course, and I sincerely don't mean to sound elitist here, but there's a whole new range of experiences out there just waiting for those who truly don't know what they're missing.

Unplanned Tourist · 11-02-2017, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FirstTracks

The "fear factor" is part of what I tried to overcome with this video. If you know in advance what you're getting into, why fear it? The number of folks who truly fear camping outside of a campground with full hookups still boggles my mind. IMO, an RV park isn't camping, it's a parking lot. That's just my opinion, of course, and I sincerely don't mean to sound elitist here, but there's a whole new range of experiences out there just waiting for those who truly don't know what they're missing.

X2. We live on an acreage and it's very quiet, backing onto crown land, so like our privacy. Full hookup sites aren't our bag either. That's probably the reason we seldom stay more than 2 nights in any one place. Just too bad so many of our friends seem to need the hookups.
Happy Glamping.